Kayaking The Thomsen River - Banks Island, NWT

Hiking and Kayaking at 73° North through Aulavik National Park
Traverse Aulavik National Park, one of Canada's newest wilderness parks.

• An oasis for wildlife; this pristine island is virtually unscarred by last glaciation.
  

• 3 - 5 hours paddling per day to allow for hiking and exploring opportunities. Thomsen is a non-technical river and suitable for most paddlers.
  

• Layover days for base camping.
  

• 50% of the world’s muskoxen population live on Banks Island.
  

• Birdlife includes Snowy owls, Gyrfalcons, Peregrine falcons, King eiders, Yellow-billed loons, jaegers, Sabine's gulls and Sandhill cranes.
  

• Rich archaeology - guided hikes to cultural sites and prehistoric ruins.
  

Banks Island Kayaking Expedition – 15 days
Banks Island presents some of the richest wildlife habitat in the western Canadian Arctic.  One of the only sites in the Arctic archipelago left largely unscarred by the last glaciation, the island has evolved as an oasis and refuge for both flora and fauna. To the avid naturalist, Banks Island has much to offer including the world's largest population of Muskoxen; an astounding 70,000 animals.  Much of Banks Island’s natural splendour is showcased in Aulavik National Park which largely occupies the islands' northern tundra. The Thomsen River valley, a major wildlife corridor is mantled in a profusion of wildflowers, lush sedges and grasslands.

The operator of this special trip is the only adventure outfitter licenced to operate on the Thomsen River.  Using stable expedition sea kayaks, we descend this gentle thoroughfare along its course through Aulavik National Park.

Snow geese, Sandhill cranes, Rough-legged hawks, Peregrine falcons, Snowy owls, Sabine gulls, and Yellow-billed loons are some of the tundra-nesting bird life seen along the route, while roaming wolf packs, Arctic fox, Arctic hare and ermine grace the landscape.  Signs of people who came centuries and even millennia before us are evident during the route.  Ancient stone meat caches, tent rings and scattered remains speak of the adventurous spirit of those who first came to this land of solitude.

This non-technical river-running expedition involves 3 to 5 hours of paddling per day with some layover days for base camping and daily opportunities to hike. A magnificent Arctic sanctuary and our expedition discovers a special beauty in this little travelled region.


Itinerary-in-brief

Day 1: Rendezvous with group in Inuvik today. Later you board a chartered Twin Otter aircraft for the three hour flight to the drop off spot on the shore of the upper Thomsen River.

Day 2: After a trip orientation meeting, the group begins the fun task of preparing the folding kayaks and packing the expedition gear. Camping by Thomsen River.

Days 3-13:  We'll kayak from our drop-off site downriver to another airstrip approximately 150 kilometres (90 miles) away.  Our travel each day will be governed by the weather, but some of the things we hope to see include carpets of blooming flowers, open rolling hills, panoramic vistas, a diversity of wildlife, and numerous archeological sites.  Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the area.

Day 14:  The group will be picked up by Twin Otter for the return flight into Inuvik (flight time dictated by weather).  Upon arrival in Inuvik, you will be transferred to a local Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Farewell Dinner.

Day 15:  You and your group will be free to explore around Inuvik.  In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Inuvik airport to meet the First Air jet for the flight to Edmonton.